Frankfurt, Germany | March 13, 2014–  Passengers at Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, are the world’s highest users of online check-in and mobile boarding passes, according to a global survey from SITA. The SITA/Air Transport World Passenger IT Trends Survey shows that two-thirds of passengers at Frankfurt Airport regularly check-in online at home or in the office, and nearly one-fifth of the airport’s 58 million passengers regularly use mobile boarding passes.

The Passenger IT Trends Survey, conducted in six leading airports around the world, reports that 37% of Frankfurt passengers use kiosks to check-in, a rate that is 23% higher than the global average. In line with these findings, the survey also shows that passengers use counters less in Frankfurt than elsewhere, for both check-in and boarding passes.

There is, however, potential to increase the use of mobile devices for other travel-related services. While Frankfurt passengers are the highest users of mobile boarding passes – 19% compared to the global average of 10% – only 6% use their mobile devices to actually check-in. They want flight information updates available through websites and apps, but unlike travelers elsewhere in the world, prefer not to receive information by SMS.  An overwhelming 91% of Frankfurt passengers would like the ability to search for ticket and fare information using mobile apps, but purchasing tickets using mobile devices is not a priority.

Jens Grabeleu, Vice President Information Management, Airside and Terminal Management, Corporate Safety and Security, for Fraport, the company that manages Frankfurt Airport, said: “Fraport recognizes that mobile services are increasingly important to our passengers at Frankfurt Airport. We are constantly working on our apps for iOS and Android to fulfill our passengers’ needs. We are also looking for new trends and innovative features, such as location-based services, to improve the quality of our services.”

The SITA/ATW study shows that Frankfurt passengers are interested in increasing their use of mobile technology. Seventy-seven percent of passengers said they would possibly or definitely use mobile devices to make changes to bookings. Likewise, 76% would like to buy ancillary services using their smartphones and tablets, and 70% would be prepared to buy tickets with mobile devices.

Dave Bakker, SITA President Europe, said: “With 76% of Frankfurt passengers carrying smartphones, there is huge potential for the airport and airlines to provide new travel services using mobile technology. Mobile services can help simplify and enhance the passenger experience, and in Frankfurt, passengers are clearly ready for the next generation of mobile services.”

SITA and ATW conducted the eighth annual Passenger IT Trends Survey with a sample of the 299 million passengers who pass through six of the world’s leading airport hubs: Abu Dhabi International; Beijing Capital International; Chhatrapati Shivaji International, Mumbai; Frankfurt International; GRU Sao Paulo International and Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta.

The survey included 2,489 passengers from more than 70 countries. Those surveyed comprised a mix of business and leisure travelers, and occasional and frequent flyers at all locations.

More information on this and other SITA surveys can be found at www.sita.aero/surveys-reports.

–– Customers can now download boarding passes on their smartphones —
— Newly refreshed 2.0 app offers ability to book using TrueBlue points, and view flight schedules, terminal maps, and more —

New York, NY | February 13, 2013/PRNewswire/– JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU), the digitally-minded airline, makes traveling even easier with the introduction of mobile boarding. Customers in eight of the airline’s largest cities can now download electronic boarding passes onto their cell phones using the newly re-launched version 2.0 of the JetBlue mobile app and save time and paper at check-in, security, and during the boarding process.

Mobile Boarding Passes now available for those traveling from:
– Boston (BOS)
– Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
– Las Vegas (LAS)
– Los Angeles (LGB)
– New York (JFK)
– Orlando (MCO)
– San Francisco (SFO)
– San Juan (SJU)

Customers can now take advantage of mobile boarding by downloading JetBlue’s new 2.0 version of their app onto their iPhone or iPod touch devices and check in for their flights. Each paperless boarding pass is displayed as an encrypted two-dimensional barcode along with customer and flight information that TSA security officers can scan to validate the authenticity of the boarding pass at the checkpoint. Customers can present the same digital pass at the gate for streamlined boarding. Those who purchase Even More Speed , the airline’s expedited security offering, will see that reflected prominently on their mobile device to fly through security at the airport. JetBlue plans to add this new feature to its Android app in the coming months.

In addition to mobile boarding, JetBlue’s newly refreshed 2.0 app includes:
– The ability to search for and book flights using TrueBlue points
– Timetables to view flight schedules
– Maps to help find your way through many of our terminals
– Updated city guides to learn about the hotspots at your destination and check the hourly and daily weather forecasts
– A revamped postcard tool with new customization options and new downloadable iPhone wallpapers of JetBlue’s iconic tailfin patterns

“As we see an increasing number of travelers wishing to take advantage of mobile boarding passes, we’re pleased to extend our digital offerings to include this and some other great features for our customers,” said JetBlue’s Vice President Customer Connections Michael Stromer. “Mobile boarding is good for customer convenience, makes us a leaner company, and supports our efforts to become a greener airline.”

The airline with the best customer service in the skies is focused on constantly improving and refreshing the customer experience. Customer feedback, including review by a special panel of customers and crewmembers, is integrated into decision-making around all new product and service offerings. In early 2012, JetBlue introduced its refreshed digital experience with an award-winning jetblue.com, jetblue.com/mobile and iPhone and Android apps. In late 2012, JetBlue called on customers in its ThinkUp! campaign to help design its latest tablet app, which is currently in development.

JetBlue plans to expand mobile boarding capabilities to additional cities in its network and on multiple electronic devices throughout 2013. Additional information about the airline’s new digital offerings can be found on jetblue.com/mobile.